A few months ago The Havelocks dissapeared from the live scene. In the past several weeks the band has returned for some special shows at Lizotte’s, the Lass O’Gowrie Hotel and the Hamilton Station. So the band is back, but what did the five-piece get up to during their hiatus from the live scene in Newcastle?

“We recorded an EP,” replies rhythm guitarist and resident beard Craig Whibley. And so they did! Locking themselves up in the basement of producer Jayson Evans’ Aurora Live Studios in Warners Bay, The Havelocks went about putting together their debut EP.

“Five songs, three guitars, one drum kit, a bass, two vodka kegs, ten cartons, seventeen cigarettes, a Fender deluxe and a f*!!?*ing Les Paul,” mused vocalist Jay Piper, “It’s rocky, it’s poppy, it’s chunky, it’s funky.”.

The Havelocks put down five songs for the EP which is titled “Words”, after one of the band’s favourite songs.

“The fans love that one,” says drummer Luke Tweedie, “if you’re feeling like a gig isn’t going too well just pull out ‘Words’. It just makes people want to get on board, and they do. Sweet as a nut.”

As well as two other fan favourites The Darkness and Never Go, the band’s debut EP has two new songs.

“We recorded a demo with a fair few of the fan favourites last year,” says bassist Lawrence De Sylva. “Most of the people who know us and follow us have cds or mp3s of our stuff, so we couldn’t justify re-recording all old ones for the EP.”

So The Havelocks are back! This time with their debut EP “Words”. The “Words” EP launch will be held at the Northern Star Hotel on Saturday 25th September. In support of the launch will be sets from Melody Pool and the Brothers Clam. The EP will be available for sale at the launch and all subsequent gigs; online through iTunes, Aurora Live Online, via The Havelocks myspace site and other soon-to-be announced locations.

• What: The Havelocks EP Launch
• Where: Northern Star Hotel, Hamilton
• When: Saturday, September 25, 2010

For more information about The Havelocks visit their MySpace profile at http://myspace.com/thehavelocks

Australian melodic rockers LORD announce tour, and new EP

Melodic metal favourites LORD have unveiled their latest touring venture. The Tyrants Return Tour will take them across Australia once again, including trips to the far north, as well as making their way back to Japan for the second year in a row.

The Tyrants Return Tour will visit Newcastle on October 30, 2010 with a massive metal gig presented by Club LED. LORD will be supported by Anno Domoni (SYD), Darker Half (SYD) and local metal acts Grim Demise, Requim of the Damned, Sabretung, SoulTremor, DeathMaask, Cerebral Contortion and The Paradox Unseen.

LORD was formed from the ashes of Dungeon who disbanded in 2005 after world tours with the likes of Megadeth, Nightwish, Edguy and more, and has since gone on to tour with bands such as Queensryche, Saxon, Gamma Ray, Nevermore and released three well-received albums.

“We’re finally able to announce the tour dates for the rest of the year. This was a logistical nightmare with so many other high-profile acts touring Australia right now,meant that some places we wanted to get to just weren’t realistic this time around. This tour will also include our run of shows in Japan with DORO and Jaded Heart, which we’re extremely excited about”, LORD front-man Tim Grose commented

LORD are set to release a new EP in mid 2010. The EP, titled ‘Return of the Tyrant’ will feature some cover songs and new interpretations of old Dungeon tracks.

• What: The Tyrants Return Tour
• Who: LORD, Anno Domoni (SYD), Darker Half (SYD), Grim Demise, Requim of the Damned, Sabretung, SoulTremor, DeathMaask, Cerebral Contortion and The Paradox Unseen
• Where: Newcastle District Tennis Centre, (18+)
• When: Saturday October 30, 2010 – 12PM – 3AM
• Tickets: $25 ($30 at the door)